The Walt Disney Company is barreling toward a defining moment in its nearly century-long history: the naming of its next CEO. Following years of speculation, false starts, and executive reshuffling, Disney’s Board of Directors has confirmed it expects to reveal Bob Iger’s successor in early 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter at a time of significant transition across the entertainment industry.
While Bob Iger’s current contract extends through December 31, 2026, the plan is to name his replacement well in advance, allowing for a smoother handoff and an opportunity for the next chief executive to grow into the role before stepping into full command. For many in and around the company, the next several months may determine the future of Disney’s creative direction, operational priorities, and overall identity.
The Board’s Timeline: Early 2026, Right Before D23
Confirmation of the early 2026 timeline came directly from James P. Gorman, who will take over as Chairman of Disney’s Board of Directors in January 2025. Gorman—best known as the former CEO and current Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley—has already been leading Disney’s Succession Planning Committee, a group tasked with evaluating candidates and preparing for a seamless leadership transition.
Crucially, this transition is now set to culminate just months before D23 2026, which will run from August 14 to 16, 2026. That timing has not gone unnoticed by fans and industry analysts. If all goes according to plan, whoever is selected will take the stage at Disney’s biggest fan event as the freshly anointed CEO, setting the tone for the company’s next decade of innovation.
The Next Leader Will Shape Disney’s Identity
Disney is a company at an inflection point. From shifting box office dynamics and streaming strategy pivots to major theme park expansions and ongoing global business challenges, the new CEO will be tasked with addressing both short-term realities and long-term aspirations.
The selection won’t just reflect the board’s confidence in an executive—it will also telegraph Disney’s future priorities. Will the company double down on content creation and streaming? Will it re-center around its theme park empire? Will new international ventures take the spotlight?
The pressure is immense, and after the tumultuous exit of former CEO Bob Chapek and Iger’s unexpected return, the board is likely aiming for a more durable solution—someone who can guide the company without the drama of public course corrections.
The Internal Front-Runners: Four Names, One Favorite
At present, four high-level internal executives are believed to be in the final running:
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Josh D’Amaro, who leads Disney Experiences, overseeing parks, cruise lines, and merchandise.
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Dana Walden, Co-Chair of Disney Entertainment, a longtime television and streaming executive.
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Alan Bergman, Walden’s counterpart in film and theatrical production.
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Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN and head of Disney’s sports content and strategy.
Each of these candidates brings distinct strengths. But there’s a growing consensus that Josh D’Amaro stands out—not only for his familiarity with Disney’s day-to-day operations, but for his visible role as a public-facing executive. Many observers have noted that D’Amaro has quietly become one of the most prominent figures representing Disney across events, conferences, and internal initiatives.
His department—Disney Experiences—has been the company’s most reliable performer over the past few years. The parks division rebounded swiftly after the pandemic and continues to generate significant revenue and goodwill, while the studio and streaming divisions wrestle with shifting audience habits and increasing competition.
A CEO With Parks Pedigree?
If D’Amaro ascends to the CEO position, it would mark a rare move: someone with theme park experience leading the entire Disney enterprise. For many longtime Disney fans and cast members, this would be a welcome change. The Parks and Resorts division is the emotional heart of the Disney brand, and some believe it has been underrepresented at the highest levels of corporate strategy.
D’Amaro has built a reputation as approachable, energetic, and tuned in to both guest experience and cast member morale. Though some critics point to a lack of marquee completed projects under his direct leadership, others argue that his hands have been tied by broader corporate challenges—including cost constraints driven by streaming losses and economic headwinds.
Still, the momentum behind him seems to be growing. His presence at key investor events, his handling of forward-facing initiatives like theme park expansion, and his ability to connect with both frontline employees and high-level stakeholders all suggest he’s being positioned as a serious contender.
Walden, Bergman, and Pitaro: Capable, But Less Connected?
Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, by contrast, represent the legacy media side of the company. Walden’s resume includes decades of television leadership, while Bergman has deep roots in theatrical film production. Both have proven themselves capable, but they carry the challenge of leading a company that’s no longer solely a media empire—it’s a multi-faceted experience-driven brand.
Pitaro’s ESPN leadership has been strong amid turbulence in the sports media world, but many question whether sports content—though financially important—aligns with the creative and cultural weight that leading Disney requires.
Why the Choice Matters Now More Than Ever
The board’s decision will reverberate far beyond the executive suite. In the past, poorly handled transitions—such as the handoff to Chapek—resulted in public backlash, creative confusion, and internal strife. This time, Disney appears to be taking a more deliberate and thoughtful approach. But that doesn’t mean the outcome is guaranteed.
What’s clear is that the next CEO will inherit a company facing major decisions across its theme parks, studios, streaming platforms, and international businesses. With Disney+ approaching a new phase of monetization and content strategy, and with multi-billion-dollar investments in theme park growth now in the pipeline, the new leader will need both vision and operational experience.
For those who hope to see Disney re-center around its parks and legacy values, D’Amaro represents continuity. For those prioritizing innovation in media, Walden or Bergman might offer more appeal. The board must weigh not just skillsets, but the symbolic message their decision sends.
The Final Act of the Iger Era?
Bob Iger’s final act as CEO may well be handing the baton to someone who can define the post-Iger Disney legacy. After years of playing succession musical chairs, this will be his last chance to get it right.
Come early 2026, the company’s new leader will step into the spotlight—and possibly onto the D23 stage—as the person responsible for guiding Disney’s next 100 years.
The announcement may still be months away, but one thing is clear: the future of Disney is about to hinge on a single name.
Who will it be?
